Spring is springing across the Northern Hemisphere, luring us from hibernation with cherry blossoms, festivals, and the promise of summer fruits. There’s no sweeter place to enjoy all three than Michigan’s Traverse City – Cherry Capital of the World.
It starts with the bloom of cherry blossoms across the city and towards the fruit-growing plains of the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas. Ordinarily, the phenomenon occurs in mid-May but warmer conditions can push it to the first week of the month. A short and sweet hanami is followed by the National Cherry Festival in late June with cherry season peaking in July and August. During these months, you can pick your own cherries at Northern Michigan U-Pick farms and orchards and sample all kinds of cherry-based tarts. And, no prizes for guessing the star ingredient of the 50 local wineries.
A blossoming supply of designer homes and unique cabins make it easy to get out amid the meadows, orchards, and vineyards by car or bicycle. These beautiful Airbnbs in Traverse City, Michigan, are ripe for booking during cherry season.
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We hope you love these Airbnb Traverse City vacation rentals! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Botanical dome home in Traverse City
See more photosBound into cherry season at
this luxurious geodesic resort. The bedroom is angled to enjoy the greenery while the attached cabin contains a private kitchen and bathroom. For more extravagant bathing, you can hop into the freestanding tub on the covered porch. It’s an epic choice for couples although the triple bunk bed means the kids don’t have to miss out on summertime glamping. Williamsburgh, Acme, and Traverse City are all within easy driving distance.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $249 per night
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OMG! Airbnb with cherry orchard views
See more photosFashioned from galvanized steel,
Chameleon House is engineered to blend into the landscape but its innovative design is more likely to turn heads. The views increase with every level and culminate on the ninth-floor rooftop terrace. If your legs protest, settle into the seventh-floor lounge where you’ll find 360-degree views and a telescope for stargazing. The Leelanau Peninsula is perfect for cherry tree viewing and cruising roadside fruit stands.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $206 per night
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Contemporary cabin in the Holiday Hills
See more photosThis is a blooming lovely Airbnb to hang your hat during Traverse City’s cherry season – although it’s equally enticing on a snowy winter’s day.
The enigmatic black exterior gives way to chic monochrome interiors and a light-filled lounge. From spring onwards you can take your meals onto the patio and challenge your travel buddies to yard games. Cherry Capital Airport, downtown, wineries, and farms are all on the doorstep.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $180 per night
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Modern A-frame cabin in the Cherry Capital
See more photosRoll out of bed and onto the 17-mile Leelanau TART Trail from this Guest Favorite Airbnb in Traverse City. It’s an
off-piste take on the classic cabin with extended walls creating more living space for a family or group. Startling white paintwork contrasts a vibrant green backyard on the shore of West Harbor Bay. There’s a private beach across the street and you’re minutes by bike or car to wineries and cherry meadows.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $279 per night
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Beachfront cottage with awesome bay views
See more photosOne of the best Airbnbs in Traverse City for families during cherry season,
this two-story home opens directly onto East Grand Traverse Bay. The sandy yard has a fire pit whereas the terrace is turned out with a private hot tub and dining area. You’re also welcome to sit out on the dock. The location is close to Williamsburg and Acme where the first cherry blossoms of the season typically occur.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $500 per night
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Cherry trail chalet with a hot tub
See more photosArtisan’s Chalet started life as a 1940s workshop before taking on a new lease of life as one of the coolest Airbnbs in Traverse City in all seasons.
The interiors have been spruced up and a gourmet kitchen fitted but the vaulted wooden ceilings and stonework are a reminder of its history. The deck is furnished with a private spa tub overlooking Mitchell Creek. Swap four wheels for two and hit the Traverse Area Recreation Trails (TART Trails).
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $236 per night
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Luxury treehouse in Traverse City
See more photosFind a more fitting place to stay for Michigan’s cherry season than
this canopy hideaway. There’s nothing rudimentary here: you’ll bed down in hotel-standard linens, chop fruit on a quartz-topped island, and dine like royalty in the screened-in “Sultan’s Porch”. Kayaks are provided and there’s an art room for creative evenings. The south end of Old Mission Peninsula is a prime spot for hitting the cherry blossom trail and U-Pick farms.
Nine guests, four bedrooms
Price: $500 per night
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Private beachfront Airbnb in Traverse City
See more photosStart your day sipping coffee on your exclusive deck and patch of beach at
this one-bedroom rental unit on the West Bay. The host provides kayaks and paddle boards for making most of the water during spring and summer. The Suttons Bay and Leelanau Peninsula cherry trail passes straight past for easy sightseeing and fruit-picking opportunities. Drive five minutes in the other direction for downtown restaurants and wine bars.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $239 per night
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1970s art barn in a glorious flower meadow
See more photosThe phrase “bunker down” takes new meaning at this one-of-a-kind Airbnb in Northern Michigan.
Previously used as an art gallery, the barn has been reimagined as a vacation pad with woodsy interiors and slanted windows overlooking the five-acre rural estate. Halfway between Traverse City and Suttons Bay, you’ll have cherry groves and blooming blossoms in every direction and the Leelanau TART Trail is just one mile from the property.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $200 per night
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Family-friendly Airbnb in downtown Traverse City
See more photosThe gabled roof, quaint porch, and timber beams
at this home bring a rural charm to a convenient urban setting. The host will share juicy tips on walkable restaurants and brewpubs while adult and child bikes are offered for getting around the local viewpoints, orchards, and wineries. Light breakfast supplies including waffle mix and eggs will see you off to a good start before going cherry-picking.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $211 per night
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